From Isaac Job, Uyo
Vice President Kasheem Shettima has charged Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to ensure fiscal equity to resuscitate the economy and achieve better life for Nigerians
Speaking in Uyo Akwa Ibom state capital during the opening session of a 3 day retreat for newly appointed commissioners and staff of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission( RMAFC), on the theme ” Understanding The Role Of Revenue Mobilization And Fiscal Commission And Other Stakeholders/Agencies In Nationl Building ” Shattima disclosed that promoting fiscal balance can play vital role in stabilizing the economy and improve quality life for Nigerians .
Shettima acknowledged the theme of the retreat “Understanding the Role of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission
And Other Stakeholders/Agencies in Nation Building” saying it will address pecuniary issues on revenue .
Shettima who was represented by the Technical Adviser on Public Debt Management and Revenue Mobilization, Mr. Ibrahim Natagwandu, observed that the commission works directly to improve fiscal health and unity of the federating units .
He explained that the retreat was necessary to assist in the ongoing economic reforms by the present administration.
“Be that as it may, this retreat is more than an orientation; it is a call to national service at a time when our country is undergoing major reforms aimed at repositioning the economy and optimizing our revenue generation through improved tax systems
“The RMAFC occupies a critical place in this journey, as its work directly impacting the fiscal health and cohesion of our Federation.
“I urge each Member of the Commission to view appointment not as a privilege, but as a responsibility to uphold transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the discharge of constitutional mandate.
“You are the custodians of a system that ensures equity among the three tiers of government and promotes fiscal balance across the Federation”
Chairman of RMAFC, Dr Muhammed Shehu said the three-day retreat aims at preparing members of the commission to deliver efficiently on their mandates and contribute to nation building.
Shehu noted that the commission is poised to ensure that fiscal federalism is not just a constitutional ideal but a living, functional mechanism for unity and development.
Shehu promised that the Commission will work diligently with dedication and patriotism with all stakeholders to ensure fiscal wellbeing of the nation and always work in the best interest of the three tiers of government and the nation at large.
Responding, Akwa Ibom state governor Pastor Umo Eno said the theme of the retreat was apt and timely to solve lingering problems facing the nation.
“This commission is one of the most important and strategic bodies defining our federal structure.
He therefore called for increase in the 13 per cent derivation from oil revenue and appeal to the commission to examine areas of conflicting oil revenue remittances.
“One of the issues you will address is the area affecting our 13 per cent derivation fund to oil-producing states. We know you are doing some, but we think you can do more”.